You did it! You signed the papers, got the fancy binder, maybe even took a victory lap around the kitchen island. Estate planning? Check.
And then… nothing.
That beautiful binder? It’s now taking a nap on a shelf or hiding under a stack of mail. You might think your plan is done, but here’s the hard truth that most attorneys won’t tell you:
Most estate plans fail.
Not because you messed up. Not because your lawyer did. And not because of some obscure law change.
They fail because no one explains what comes next.
At Shore Estate Law, we see estate planning as a living, breathing thing. Signing the documents is the start of the journey—not the finish line. Here are three things you must do to make sure your plan works the way you want it to.
- Update Your Plan Regularly
Life doesn’t stand still. Your plan shouldn’t either.
Think of your estate plan like a car. You wouldn’t skip oil changes for ten years and expect smooth sailing, right? Same goes here.
Update your plan if:
- You got married or divorced
- You had a child or grandchild
- You moved to a new state
- You bought or sold property
Even if nothing major happened, laws change—and so do your relationships, goals, and maybe even who you want managing your affairs.
Best practice? Review every 2–3 years or right after any big life event. If your law firm isn’t checking in regularly, that’s a red flag. We offer ongoing support because we know how important it is to keep your plan current.
- Actually Fund Your Trust
This is the #1 reason plans flop. You created a trust (yay!), but did you actually move your assets into it?
Without funding, your trust is just a paperweight. You’ve got to connect the dots between the plan and your stuff—your home, bank accounts, investments, even that vacation rental in the mountains.
Quick checklist:
- Is your home deeded to your trust?
- Are your financial accounts titled correctly?
- Do your beneficiary designations match your plan?
If you’re unsure, that’s okay. We’ll help you take a second look.
- Educate Your Helpers
You’ve named someone to help—your trustee, executor, or agent. But do they even know that? Do they know what to do?
Too often, families find out someone’s been named in a plan only after a crisis hits. That delay can cause probate drama, family tension, and even financial headaches.
Make sure your “helpers” know:
- That they’ve been chosen
- What their role includes
- How to contact your attorney
- Where to find your documents
We even invite our clients’ helpers to attend workshops and trainings with us. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress later.
Bonus: Quick Plan Check
Ask yourself:
- Have I reviewed my plan in the last two years?
- Is my home titled in the name of my trust?
- Are my financial accounts correctly assigned?
- Do my agents or trustees know they’ve been named?
- Do they know how to reach my law firm?
If you said “No” to even one of these, your plan may not do what you want when it matters most.
How We Help Keep Your Plan Alive
At Shore Estate Law, we’re not fans of the “set it and forget it” style. That’s why we created a membership program called the Beach Bucket Club just for our clients. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your plan updated and stress-free.
Our members get:
- Annual plan reviews
- Legal updates as the law changes
- Trust funding support
- Education for family and helpers
- 24/7 secure digital access to all documents
Because your life isn’t frozen in time—and your estate plan shouldn’t be either.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to start over. You just need to keep your plan alive.
So go ahead—dust off that binder. We’ll help make sure it works when it matters most.
Ready to feel confident your plan will actually work?
Register for a Workshop or Request a Consultation today. We’ll walk you through your next steps with warmth, clarity, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
